The Platform

Leadership That Works

Amy Quinn, Barbara Yvonne Clayton, Eileen Chapman

ASBURY TOGETHER – PLATFORM

Asbury Together believes that Asbury Park’s future depends on positive dialogue between engaged citizens, a responsive government, and leadership that works constantly at bringing all parties to the table. We listen. We engage. And we take action. That’s who we are, engaged local leaders, not lifelong politicians.

With your support, we will continue to do the hard work that we started just 19 months ago. Our platform when Asbury Together elected all five of our candidates in November 2014 remains largely the same: Open & Responsive Government, Comprehensive Approach To Crime, A Focus On Jobs, Financial Common Sense, Development That Benefits Everyone.

We have not solved every problem, but we’ve been working hard at it, and we believe that our actions thus far speak loud and clear about why a vote for Amy Quinn, Yvonne Clayton, and Eileen Chapman on November 8th is a vote for stable, continued progress. Leadership that works.

Under Asbury Together’s leadership:

State, local, and federal funding was procured for re-developing the Springwood Avenue corridor, Renaissance Village and Boston Way, which will result in revitalization of the area, more affordable housing, and tens of millions of dollars coming into the city.

Working with the county and private donors, the City procured the necessary funds and completed the long-stalled Springwood Avenue Park.

New construction has been linked to workforce development, creating a mindset with developers to prioritize local employment and other community benefits as an integral part of development. Negotiation with developers led to the Salt School (Asbury Hotel) and music education for local youth in exchange for PILOT program (Lakehouse Academy).

The train station was upgraded, making it more attractive to visitors. Currently working with the state, DOT, and NJ Transit to obtain “Transit Village” designation for the Memorial Drive corridor surrounding the train station. Got the ball rolling with an RFP for turning City Hall and the train station into a modern municipal complex.

Created a long-term year-by-year plan for repaving of city streets and obtained NJDOT state grants to begin implementing the plan. Paved and numbered parking lots around City Hall and worked with the state to take advantage of the Bangs Avenue garage for downtown parking. Worked with Istar to create various short term parking solutions while longer term solutions are in the works.

Worked with Interfaith Neighbors to facilitate more home ownership for first time owners and moved forward with the Turf Club project.

Worked with CAN to host free monthly clinics for ex-offenders to expunge records.

Passed ordinances to regulate vacant and abandoned properties and proceed with foreclosure where appropriate. Started to sell In Rem foreclosures, helping to stabilize taxes. We are reducing the city’s debt and making steady progress toward getting off of transitional aid.

Worked with the School District to greatly expand the summer recreation program and insure that no child would be turned away thanks to the Mayor’s Rodeo fundraiser.

Worked with the School District to secure summer jobs, participation in the Salt School, and provide transportation to Great Adventure for youth who got jobs there. Increased local hiring for beach utility. Ordinance to improve the Small Business Set Aside Program for minorities, women, and veterans.

Created ordinances to facilitate summer rentals and to guard against “animal house” rentals becoming a nuisance.

Supported Clean Ocean Action and other environmental groups against off shore drilling.

Increased programs for seniors at the Senior Center.

Effective new professionals were hired: City Manager, City Planner, City Clerk, CFO, Treasurer, Tax Collector, Director of Communications, Superintendent of Public Works.

Launched a new user-friendly website with forms, meeting minutes, and city calendar available online. Online payment for taxes and sewer.

Updated the city code to meet international building standards and made it available online.

Brownfield grant of $400,000 to help remediation of previously industrial sites that may be contaminated.

Established the Quality of Life Committee and held two city-wide clean ups with students and other citizens.

Environmental & Shade Tree Commission worked with downtown businesses to restore Merchants Park as an attractive gateway to the city and downtown.

Established the Business Committee to foster ongoing dialogue between the business community, elected officials, and city departments with the long-term goal of building a business friendly environment.

Revived the Parking Committee to plan for short-term and long-term parking issues.

Revived the Sunset Lake Committee to address the long-term health of Sunset Lake.